Lewes core value under assault
Lewes has a set of six core values designed to guide decision-making.
One of those states: “Lewes has a unique historical origin and strives to highlight its heritage through building design and architectural preservation.”
The core value approach dictates that activity diminishing a core value must be addressed. Two recent activities suggest it’s time for remedial action.
The most celebrated activity involves the 1840s structure at the corner of Mulberry and Third. At first, the owner of the property had extensive restoration plans, received a green light to begin work, but then decided he wanted to go another direction. In the meantime however, contractors tore out the back of the structure, leaving the interior of the building broadly exposed.
As hearings drag on, nature is doing its thing, exercising, as one observer commented, demolition by neglect, and, of course, without a demolition permit. This is neither beneficial to the intent of the town’s historic district nor to the property owner whose ultimate restorationif the project goes that way - will only become more costly as nature chews away.
Now the property owner has applied for a demolition permit, saying what remains of the structure is beyond restoration. Self-fulfilling prophecy? Obviously this loophole needs to be identified and closed.
At the corner of New and Pilottown roads, a demolition team recently made quick work of what is believed to have been a home at least 100 years old. The house is outside the boundaries of the historic district.
However, years back Lewes Historical Society asked that it be notified when a demolition permit was being sought, so at the very least it could photograph such structures to add to its recorded history. Town officials agreed.
Lewes Historical Society Executive Director Mike DiPaolo said he knows of no attempt made to notify the society in this recent instance, nor does he recall any such phone calls in the last few years. This is an easy problem to remedy, and it should be handled by a simple directive to those who process permits.
Core values are meaningless unless we take them seriously and act on them.
